FLEXDYM™
STARTER PACK | ROLLS | PELLETS
The Flexdym™ Solution
Flexdym is the first material specifically tailored for microfluidics biological applications. It is flexible, easily molded and bonded, transparent, and resistant to the adsorption of small particles.
Use the flexdym material at all scales, from prototyping to mass production of your chips.
Flexdym Starter Pack
The starter pack is the perfect format for first-time Flexdym users to test the material for their application. In one starter pack different thicknesses can be mixed, making the selection process easier for you!
Flexdym Rolls
The Flexdym™ rolls are the perfect format for users who need a more cost-effective option after testing our starter pack, but it is also compatible with roll-to-roll embossing methods of mass production.
Flexdym Pellets
The Flexdym pellets is perfect for experimented user who have developed a marketable product using this technology, and wish to begin mass production or 3D printing using our flexdym pellets.
Easy Steps for Flexdym Microfluidic Devices
01
CUT IT
Cut a protected Flexdym sheet using scissors, cutters, hot knives, die cuts, lasers, etc. The material is ready to use, with no mixing or curing steps needed.
02
PRESS IT
Remove protective films & place Flexdym sheet between a smooth counter mold and your mold. Then apply pressure using a hot press, hot embossing machine, or other heat-pressure combination.
03
CREATE INLETS
Place protective films on molded Flexdym sheets and punch inlet & outlet ports for reagent entry and exit.
04
PLACE IT
Remove protective sheet from molded side of Flexdym sheet and place on selected substrate. Flexdym's soft material properties help provide good conformal contact between the two surfaces. Flexdym can be assembled with various thermoplastics, glass & silicon.
Looking to Test Out Flexdym?
The starter pack contains 10 sheets of 15 x 15 cm Flexdym, wrapped in 2 protective transparent films.
In one pack choose between a range of thicknesses: 0.25, 0.75, 1.2, or 2 mm. Mix these according to your preference.
Each sheet can be cut using scissors & molded using a hot press. Depending on the size of the mold, the process can last from 30 s to 15 min.
Flexdym Handling
A Flexdym sheet is protected with films on either side, to avoid contamination of the material. Keep the protective films on the sheet when cutting (using scissors or die cut). Remove the films once you are ready to sandwich your Flexdym sheet between the mold and counter mold.
A Biocompatible Material that is Scalable.
From Prototyping...
Use Flexdym starter packs or rolls to create chips quickly and easily. Mold Flexdym in as little as 30 seconds using our Sublym machine. The full Flexdym protocol length is approx. 15-20 minutes, depending on mold design, mold material, feature resolution, design size, etc.
...to Mass Production.
The Flexdym pellets are compatible with 3D printing and injection molding processes used in mass production. Flexdym sheets can also be used to mass produce devices via roll-to-roll embossing. Now you have the opportunity to turn you technology into a commercial product.
Flexdym Pellets for Mass Production
Eden Tech has created the Flexdym pellet format as a low cost option for mass production. Flexdym pellets are ideal for commonly used injection molding or 3D printing. But they can also be used for small scale production with the help of a classic hot press.
Flexdym Pellets are available per kilo.
The pellets can be molded at small scales, suing our Sublym or a hot press, and at large scales using injection molding or 3D printing.
The injection molding process allows Flexdym devices to be mass produced - a key advantage for product development.
Injection Molding for Mass Production.
|
BARREL TEMPERATURE (°C)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zone 1
|
Zone 2
|
Zone 3
|
Nozzle
|
|
235
|
250
|
255
|
255
|
|
NO.
|
PARAMETER
|
VALUE
|
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Screw Size
|
30mm (circumference)
|
|
2
|
Injection Speed
|
8cm3/s
|
|
3
|
Injection Pressure
|
Max 1000bar (700-800bar)
|
|
4
|
Holding Pressure
|
5bar
|
|
5
|
Mold Temperature
|
25-30°C
|
|
6
|
Cooling Time
|
12s
|
Flexdym Device Replication:
Sublym Machine vs. Hot Press
Eden Tech’s mission is to create user-friendly microfabrication solutions to help researchers boost chip production. With the creation of Flexdym, it was important to offer an affordable machine to mold the material.
Flexdym’s thermoplastic properties means it can be molded via hot embossing, just like other thermoplastics (e.g. COC, polystyrene, or polycarbonate). Hot embossing involves utilizing pressure, heat and time to transfer features from the mold to the material. Hot embossing is a great alternative to casting and soft-lithography methods of microfabrication.
Sublym Machine
- Optimized for Flexdym molding in only 1-2 minutes!
- Compact & User-friendly design that requires little to no training.
- Dramatically cheaper than most standard clean room equipment. This small investment is an opportunity for you to begin exploring microfluidics.
Classic Hot Press
- Not optimized for Flexdym molding, therefore longer molding time.
- Less easy-to-use alternative for the Sublym.
- Slightly more expensive than the Sublym100, but a standard piece of equipment which is generally installed in fabrication facilities.
Flexdym Pricing
Eden Tech has optimized Flexdym’s pricing to be comparable to other widely used materials in microfluidics, with added advantages:
- Biocompatible
- Transparent
- Scalable
- User-Friendly
Gas Permeability of Flexdym
We have conducted gas permeability tests for 2 mm of Flexdym at 23°C, 50% RH. These results combined with those of other Flexdym users, show a range of 40 to 70-fold lower gas permeability for Flexdym compared to PDMS. However, cell culture remains a top application of Flexdym. For published results, contact us.
|
PERMEABILITY
|
FLEXDYM RESULTS
|
|---|---|
|
Oxygen
|
7.86 Barrer
|
|
Carbon dioxide
|
15.99 Barrer
|
Resistance to Solvents
Similarly to PDMS and other thermoplastic materials used in microfluidic device fabrication, Flexdym TM is resistant to commonly used solvents such as acids and bases, as well as methanol/ethanol. It is resistant to fluorinated oils, commonly used in droplet based microfluidic applications. Also like these other materials, results show it swells in the presence of carboxylic acid and other oils. It may be important to note, it is not resistant to hydrocarbons. To find out more about Flexdym material chemistry read our news article.
|
CHEMICAL
|
RESISTANCE
|
|---|---|
|
Acids
|
R
|
|
Bases
|
R
|
|
Fluorinated Oils
|
R
|
|
Methanol/ Ethanol
|
R
|
|
Carboxylic Acid
|
Swell
|
|
Hydrocarbons
|
NR
|
|
Oil
|
Swell
|
Top Flexdym Applications
-
Low-cost, versatile, and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline to generate 3D-printed customised cell culture devices with complex designs2024
-
Complete fabrication station of scalable microfluidic devices for sensing applications2022
-
Engineering a sustainable future for point-of-care diagnostics and single-use microfluidic devices2022
-
Facile engineering and interfacing of styrenic block copolymers devices for low-cost, multipurpose microfluidic applications2021
-
Estudi de la fabricació de canals microfluídics en làmines polimèriques i la seva unió mitjançant hot embossing i processos d’unió tèrmica2021
-
Rapid Fabrication of Membrane-Integrated Thermoplastic Elastomer Microfluidic Devices2020
-
Microfluidics: Innovations in Materials and Their Fabrication and Functionalization2019
-
Harnessing Nonlinearity and Asymmetry for Built-in Control in Mechanical and Fluid Systems2019
-
Development of fast and simple fabrication processes for paper-based microfluidics and alternative polymers to PDMS2019
-
Soft Thermoplastic Elastomer for Easy and Rapid Spin-Coating Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices with High Hydrophilization and Bonding Performances2018
-
Thermoplastic elastomer with advanced hydrophilization and bonding performances for rapid (30 s) and easy molding of microfluidic devices2017
-
Cultivating Multidisciplinarity: Manufacturing and Sensing Challenges in Cultured Meat Production2021
-
A methodology to develop a vascular geometry for in vitro cell culture using additive manufacturing2019
-
Desarrollo de sistemas microfluídicos en la multiescala para el cultivo celular y tisular2018
-
Insights on Polymers for Microfluidics Applied to Biomedical Applications2017
Case Study
Flexdym Mechanical Properties
Flexdym combines properties of thermoplastics and elastomers. This explains it’s elasticity (Young Modulus of 1.15 MPa) and simultaneous ability to be hot embossed.
Flexdym For Diagnostic Devices
- Certified Biocompatible ISO 10993 parts 4, 5, 6, 10 & 11 AND USP Class VI.
- Optical transparency, with UV-Vis trasnmittance over 295-800 nm.
- Material cost optimization, ideal for POC cassettes & cartridges.
- Withstands thermocycling temperatures for PCR and others amplification reactions.
- Functionalization similar to other SEBS, via amino-based, EDC/NHS coupling & silane-based chemistry.
- Resistant to fluorinated oils, ethanol, acids & bases.
Flexdym for Cell Study Devices
- Certified Biocompatible ISO 10993 parts 4, 5, 6, 10 & 11 AND USP Class VI.
- Good cell adhesion & proliferation over long time periods.
- Bonding to PS, glass and other commonly used cell culture materials.
- Good bonding strength up to several bars, withstands 37°C humidity conditions.
- Stable hydrophilicity post plasma treatment.
- Gas permeable, but low sorption of small molecules.
EDEN TECH
Untap the Power
About Us
Eden Tech is a company reinventing microfluidics with user-friendly and scalable solutions. Our products are aimed at pushing forward both academic and industrial innovation.
Contact Us
FLEXDYM™
STARTER PACK | ROLLS | PELLETS
The Flexdym™ Solution
Flexdym is the first material specifically tailored for microfluidics biological applications. It is flexible, easily molded and bonded, transparent, and resistant to the adsorption of small particles.
Use the flexdym material at all scales, from prototyping to mass production of your chips.
Flexdym Starter Pack
The starter pack is the perfect format for first-time Flexdym users to test the material for their application. In one starter pack different thicknesses can be mixed, making the selection process easier for you!
Flexdym Rolls
The Flexdym™ rolls are the perfect format for users who need a more cost-effective option after testing our starter pack, but it is also compatible with roll-to-roll embossing methods of mass production.
Flexdym Pellets
The Flexdym pellets is perfect for experimented user who have developed a marketable product using this technology, and wish to begin mass production or 3D printing using our flexdym pellets.
Easy Steps for Flexdym Microfluidic Devices
01
CUT IT
Cut a protected Flexdym sheet using scissors, cutters, hot knives, die cuts, lasers, etc. The material is ready to use, with no mixing or curing steps needed.
02
PRESS IT
Remove protective films & place Flexdym sheet between a smooth counter mold and your mold. Then apply pressure using a hot press, hot embossing machine, or other heat-pressure combination.
03
CREATE INLETS
Place protective films on molded Flexdym sheets and punch inlet & outlet ports for reagent entry and exit.
04
PLACE IT
Remove protective sheet from molded side of Flexdym sheet and place on selected substrate. Flexdym's soft material properties help provide good conformal contact between the two surfaces. Flexdym can be assembled with various thermoplastics, glass & silicon.
Looking to Test Out Flexdym?
The starter pack contains 10 sheets of 15 x 15 cm Flexdym, wrapped in 2 protective transparent films.
In one pack choose between a range of thicknesses: 0.25, 0.75, 1.2, or 2 mm. Mix these according to your preference.
Each sheet can be cut using scissors & molded using a hot press. Depending on the size of the mold, the process can last from 30 s to 15 min.
Flexdym Handling
A Flexdym sheet is protected with films on either side, to avoid contamination of the material. Keep the protective films on the sheet when cutting (using scissors or die cut). Remove the films once you are ready to sandwich your Flexdym sheet between the mold and counter mold.
A Biocompatible Material that is Scalable.
From Prototyping...
Use Flexdym starter packs or rolls to create chips quickly and easily. Mold Flexdym in as little as 30 seconds using our Sublym machine. The full Flexdym protocol length is approx. 15-20 minutes, depending on mold design, mold material, feature resolution, design size, etc.
...to Mass Production.
The Flexdym pellets are compatible with 3D printing and injection molding processes used in mass production. Flexdym sheets can also be used to mass produce devices via roll-to-roll embossing. Now you have the opportunity to turn you technology into a commercial product.
Flexdym Pellets for Mass Production
Eden Tech has created the Flexdym pellet format as a low cost option for mass production. Flexdym pellets are ideal for commonly used injection molding or 3D printing. But they can also be used for small scale production with the help of a classic hot press.
Flexdym Pellets are available per kilo.
The pellets can be molded at small scales, suing our Sublym or a hot press, and at large scales using injection molding or 3D printing.
The injection molding process allows Flexdym devices to be mass produced - a key advantage for product development.
Injection Molding for Mass Production.
|
BARREL TEMPERATURE (°C)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zone 1
|
Zone 2
|
Zone 3
|
Nozzle
|
|
235
|
250
|
255
|
255
|
|
NO.
|
PARAMETER
|
VALUE
|
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Screw Size
|
30mm (circumference)
|
|
2
|
Injection Speed
|
8cm3/s
|
|
3
|
Injection Pressure
|
Max 1000bar (700-800bar)
|
|
4
|
Holding Pressure
|
5bar
|
|
5
|
Mold Temperature
|
25-30°C
|
|
6
|
Cooling Time
|
12s
|
Flexdym Device Replication:
Sublym Machine vs. Hot Press
Eden Tech’s mission is to create user-friendly microfabrication solutions to help researchers boost chip production. With the creation of Flexdym, it was important to offer an affordable machine to mold the material.
Flexdym’s thermoplastic properties means it can be molded via hot embossing, just like other thermoplastics (e.g. COC, polystyrene, or polycarbonate). Hot embossing involves utilizing pressure, heat and time to transfer features from the mold to the material. Hot embossing is a great alternative to casting and soft-lithography methods of microfabrication.
Sublym Machine
- Optimized for Flexdym molding in only 1-2 minutes!
- Compact & User-friendly design that requires little to no training.
- Dramatically cheaper than most standard clean room equipment. This small investment is an opportunity for you to begin exploring microfluidics.
Classic Hot Press
- Not optimized for Flexdym molding, therefore longer molding time.
- Less easy-to-use alternative for the Sublym.
- Slightly more expensive than the Sublym100, but a standard piece of equipment which is generally installed in fabrication facilities.
Flexdym Pricing
Eden Tech has optimized Flexdym’s pricing to be comparable to other widely used materials in microfluidics, with added advantages:
- Biocompatible
- Transparent
- Scalable
- User-Friendly
Gas Permeability of Flexdym
We have conducted gas permeability tests for 2 mm of Flexdym at 23°C, 50% RH. These results combined with those of other Flexdym users, show a range of 40 to 70-fold lower gas permeability for Flexdym compared to PDMS. However, cell culture remains a top application of Flexdym. For published results, contact us.
|
PERMEABILITY
|
FLEXDYM RESULTS
|
|---|---|
|
Oxygen
|
7.86 Barrer
|
|
Carbon dioxide
|
15.99 Barrer
|
Resistance to Solvents
Similarly to PDMS and other thermoplastic materials used in microfluidic device fabrication, Flexdym TM is resistant to commonly used solvents such as acids and bases, as well as methanol/ethanol. It is resistant to fluorinated oils, commonly used in droplet based microfluidic applications. Also like these other materials, results show it swells in the presence of carboxylic acid and other oils. It may be important to note, it is not resistant to hydrocarbons. To find out more about Flexdym material chemistry read our news article.
|
CHEMICAL
|
RESISTANCE
|
|---|---|
|
Acids
|
R
|
|
Bases
|
R
|
|
Fluorinated Oils
|
R
|
|
Methanol/ Ethanol
|
R
|
|
Carboxylic Acid
|
Swell
|
|
Hydrocarbons
|
NR
|
|
Oil
|
Swell
|
Top Flexdym Applications
-
Low-cost, versatile, and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline to generate 3D-printed customised cell culture devices with complex designs2024
-
Complete fabrication station of scalable microfluidic devices for sensing applications2022
-
Engineering a sustainable future for point-of-care diagnostics and single-use microfluidic devices2022
-
Facile engineering and interfacing of styrenic block copolymers devices for low-cost, multipurpose microfluidic applications2021
-
Estudi de la fabricació de canals microfluídics en làmines polimèriques i la seva unió mitjançant hot embossing i processos d’unió tèrmica2021
-
Rapid Fabrication of Membrane-Integrated Thermoplastic Elastomer Microfluidic Devices2020
-
Microfluidics: Innovations in Materials and Their Fabrication and Functionalization2019
-
Harnessing Nonlinearity and Asymmetry for Built-in Control in Mechanical and Fluid Systems2019
-
Development of fast and simple fabrication processes for paper-based microfluidics and alternative polymers to PDMS2019
-
Soft Thermoplastic Elastomer for Easy and Rapid Spin-Coating Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices with High Hydrophilization and Bonding Performances2018
-
Thermoplastic elastomer with advanced hydrophilization and bonding performances for rapid (30 s) and easy molding of microfluidic devices2017
-
Cultivating Multidisciplinarity: Manufacturing and Sensing Challenges in Cultured Meat Production2021
-
A methodology to develop a vascular geometry for in vitro cell culture using additive manufacturing2019
-
Desarrollo de sistemas microfluídicos en la multiescala para el cultivo celular y tisular2018
-
Insights on Polymers for Microfluidics Applied to Biomedical Applications2017
Case Study
Flexdym Mechanical Properties
Flexdym combines properties of thermoplastics and elastomers. This explains it’s elasticity (Young Modulus of 1.15 MPa) and simultaneous ability to be hot embossed.
Flexdym For Diagnostic Devices
- Certified Biocompatible ISO 10993 parts 4, 5, 6, 10 & 11 AND USP Class VI.
- Optical transparency, with UV-Vis trasnmittance over 295-800 nm.
- Material cost optimization, ideal for POC cassettes & cartridges.
- Withstands thermocycling temperatures for PCR and others amplification reactions.
- Functionalization similar to other SEBS, via amino-based, EDC/NHS coupling & silane-based chemistry.
- Resistant to fluorinated oils, ethanol, acids & bases.
Flexdym for Cell Study Devices
- Certified Biocompatible ISO 10993 parts 4, 5, 6, 10 & 11 AND USP Class VI.
- Good cell adhesion & proliferation over long time periods.
- Bonding to PS, glass and other commonly used cell culture materials.
- Good bonding strength up to several bars, withstands 37°C humidity conditions.
- Stable hydrophilicity post plasma treatment.
- Gas permeable, but low sorption of small molecules.
EDEN TECH
Untap the Power
About Us
Eden Tech is a company reinventing microfluidics with user-friendly and scalable solutions. Our products are aimed at pushing forward both academic and industrial innovation.